The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has strongly criticized the hazardous actions of a Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy helicopter that endangered a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) aircraft during a routine surveillance flight over Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea. The incident, which occurred on February 18, 2025, was highlighted by PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, during a press conference in Quezon City on February 19.
Tarriela described how the PLA Navy helicopter came dangerously close, within three meters, to the BFAR aircraft, hovering over its left wing and causing significant turbulence with its propeller wash. This forced the BFAR pilot to struggle to maintain control of the aircraft. Tarriela emphasized the recklessness of the maneuver, noting that the PLA pilot must have been aware of the risks involved due to their proximity.
This incident was deemed even more perilous than a previous encounter in January, when a PLA Navy helicopter hovered over BFAR, PCG, and marine scientific research personnel on a rubber boat. Tarriela labeled this latest event as the most dangerous action taken by the Chinese forces to date.
In response, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea and the Department of Foreign Affairs are considering filing a diplomatic protest. Tarriela stressed the significance of such protests in alerting the international community to the Philippines’ stance against China’s aggressive behavior. Despite doubts about changing China’s actions, the Philippines remains committed to lodging these protests.
Addressing claims by the PLA Navy Southern Theater Command that the BFAR aircraft had illegally entered Chinese territory, Tarriela reaffirmed that Bajo de Masinloc is recognized as part of Philippine territory under international law and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act. He asserted that the BFAR’s flight was a legitimate and routine maritime domain awareness operation, and criticized China for its aggressive and illegal actions in the region.